Best non-Dealer Reapair Place in Washington, DC Metro Area?!

[webjedi]

All,

I've finally passed the period of time where all my warranties are expired (even the extended 100k one) and will need to take the car in for a round of check-ups and fixes (fuses, one seat issue, oil change, and possible steering [again] issue). I've been to BMW/MINI of Towson (MD) and BMW/MINI or Sterling (VA) many times. Although, both are quite a distance away from where I live, and, well, I want quality work but not having to possibly pay dealership prices.

I was wondering if any frequenters on this list have any reasonable suggestions that don't require a full tank of gas to get to (I'm in Silver Spring, MD).

I'm expecting I have a ratchet issue on my passenger side seat (from folding it down and a passenger not using the correct lever to raise it again), and have the 100k (minus spark plug change, since it was performed earlier) check-up to perform. I know it's due for an oil change and needs fuses (or possibly larger electrical) to bring the lights on the passenger side back to life (it seems all the running lights, front and rear, are off).

Thanks for any useful suggestion or help. (I'm not very mechanical, nor do I have the time to do the maintenance myself).

David

[rnelsonee]

I haven't been to any MINI shops yet, but I'm planning on going to this one soon for my 55k inspection:

British American Auto Care, Inc.

I like the fact that they specialize in British cars, and I see Minis in the lot once in a while.

It helps that they're practically walking distance for me (Columbia, MD). So it's going to be about half an hour for you, depending on where you are. At least 25 minutes less than driving up to Towson. Once I get work done, I'll let you know how it all went.